The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 14 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Full Circle expedition: Veterans sail into Leith carrying Invictus Games Flag on 2,000-mile UK adventure

Two traditionally rigged tall ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel, sailed into Leith, yesterday (Thursday 23 April) as part of the Full Circle Expedition.

The voyage, coordinated by local veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, aims to raise £300,000 so the charity can purchase a second tall ship to support more veterans facing PTSD, physical injury, isolation and a loss of confidence.

Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event that uses competitive sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of WIS service personnel and veterans, bringing together nations from around the world to share their journeys of resilience.

Full Circle set sail from Falmouth on 17 March 2026 and will travel anticlockwise around the UK, stopping at 22 ports in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, before returning to Falmouth on 11 June 2026.

The voyage will carry the Invictus Games Flag around the UK, building momentum towards the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 one-year-to-go event at the NEC in July 2026.

The crew is expected to dock in Leith for eight days. There, the Invictus Flag will be handed over to the City of Edinburgh and raised to honour the crew, local veterans and all of those competing at the Invictus Games. Formalities will also a civic drinks reception hosted by the Lord Provost at the City Chambers.

Further engagements across the visit will include a commemorative Anzac Day wreath laying at Edinburgh Castle, live music and cultural gatherings, and a series of community visits such as to SS Explorer and the Poppy Factory.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “At Babcock, supporting veterans is a responsibility we take seriously. Leaving the Armed Forces can be challenging, particularly for those who are wounded, injured or sick, which is why initiatives like Full Circle are so important in helping to restore confidence, purpose and connection.

“We are proud to sponsor the Leith stop on this remarkable journey, backing a programme that recognises service in a meaningful, practical way and helps veterans to thrive long after their time in uniform.”

To donate to Full Circle and help Turn to Starboard purchase a second tall ship, so that the charity can support more veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, physical injury, isolation and loss of confidence. visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/t2sfullcircle

Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard said: “This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community, each united in the belief that adventure can be truly transformative.

“While Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 harnesses the spirit of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation, Turn to Starboard draws on the unique challenges of life at sea to rebuild confidence, restore purpose and help veterans navigate life with intention and fulfilment.

“More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.

“We can’t wait to bring this inspiring message to Leith to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements.

“The journey is divided into five legs, with a crew changeover for each one: Falmouth to Chatham, Chatham to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Oban, Oban to Liverpool, and Liverpool back to Falmouth.”

Paul Miller, Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said: “Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride. It has reminded me how far I’ve come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together.

“Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful. It represents courage, determination and community – values that we must hold on to after military service ends.

“Taking the Invictus Flag on this journey feels especially meaningful. It carries the hopes of so many people rebuilding their lives through courage and community. Seeing Turn to Starboard and the Invictus Games come together in this way is powerful – every mile we sail, and every donation raised, helps build resilience and support the veteran community.”

Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme. Through teamwork, challenge and time at sea, the expedition will help inspire the recovery and rehabilitation of WIS veterans who are suffering from trauma as a result of their service.

Captain Lee Hazard RN, Director of Special Projects, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 said: “With the Invictus Games Flag onboard, these remarkable veterans led by Turn to Starboard will utilise their military skills to sail with purpose and skill. Full Circle shows that recovery doesn’t only happen on the field of play – it happens through challenge, connection and community.

“As we build towards Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the Full Circle Expedition is helping the nation see the strength and resilience of those who serve today and those who have served before them.”

To follow the expedition on social media, visit:

www.turntostarboard.co.uk and www.invictusgames2027.org; and follow progress through Instagram (@fullcirclet2s and @Birmingham_2027), TikTok (fullcirclet2s and weareinvictusgames), Facebook (Full Circle T2S and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027), X (@Birmingham2027) and LinkedIn (Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027).

Turn to Starboard would like to thank Babcock International Group for their support of the Leith Stop as well as the Invictus Games Foundation, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, principal partner ATCO and our founding partner AirTanker; and partners – Team Forces, Palo Alto, Forces Support and Just Giving ; and official supporters – Aku, Gill, Morrisons, Mustang Survival, NSSLGlobal and SunGod for supporting the Full Circle Expedition.

PICTURES: Gareth Davies

Scotland’s Greatest XI revealed as Specsavers-backed Football Memories tour wraps up in Motherwell

As Scotland prepares for its first FIFA Men’s World Cup appearance in 28 years, Specsavers and Football Memories have unveiled Scotland’s Greatest XI, a team selected by participants from nearly 600 Football Memories groups across the country.

The players, chosen by those who have lived through their careers and watched them in action, represent the best of Scottish football from 1945 to 1998.

The Motherwell Football Memories group hosted its first-ever session at Fir Park, marking a key milestone for the project. Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister returned to his hometown to reveal the Greatest XI. His involvement added a personal touch to the occasion, making the event even more special for attendees.

The initiative, which supports people living with memory loss conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation, brings together group members from all over Scotland. It celebrates the nations footballing history and connects individuals through their shared love of the game.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, Scotland’s legendary forward, received the most votes and was named Scotland’s greatest-ever player, taking the captaincy of the team. The full team includes:

Starting XI: Andy Goram (GK), Danny McGrain, Alex McLeish, Willie Miller, Tommy Gemmell, Jimmy Johnstone, Graeme Souness, Billy Bremner, Davie Cooper, Sir Kenny Dalglish (C), and Denis Law.
Bench: Jim Leighton (GK), Billy McNeill, Maurice Malpas, Paul McStay, Dave Mackay, Jim Baxter, and Ally McCoist.

Gary McAllister, one of 60 shortlisted players, shared his excitement: ‘It was an absolute privilege to be a part of the first Football Memories session at Fir Park.

“Coming back to my hometown of Motherwell brought back so many great memories. The ‘Greatest XI’ chosen by the participants truly represents the talent that has shaped Scottish football, and it was incredible to see so many passionate fans reflect on these legends.’

For the third season in a row, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers, has facilitated the Football Memories project by enabling football legends and retired referees to speak with the participants, helping to spark cherished memories and connect people through the shared love of football.

The Specsavers-supported tour, which has visited Inverness, Arbroath, Paisley, Ayr, and concluded in Motherwell, gave participants the chance to meet football legends and former referees. At Fir Park, alongside ex-Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister, Donald McVicar, one of Scotland’s most respected referees, shared stories from his remarkable career, offering an unforgettable experience for the group.

Donald spent 25 years as a referee, taking charge of hundreds of matches between 1969 and 1994, and later served as the Scottish FA’s Head of Referee Development before retiring at 65.

Donald’s final match was the 1994 Scottish Cup Final, where he served as an assistant referee. He has also since worked as a referee observer for FIFA and UEFA.

The 82-year-old said: ‘It was a delight to join Gary and speak to the group at Fir Park, a football ground with real significance in my career, given its proximity to where I grew up. It was great to share memories with their brand-new Football Memories group.

‘Football has an incredible power to connect people, no matter their age or background, and being part of this tour with Specsavers shows how important these sessions are for those living with memory loss. With Scotland heading into a big summer, it’s a brilliant time to look back on the game and forward to what is ahead.’

Specsavers supported the memory boxes for the referee tour and helped add exciting new memorabilia, including vintage football boots and match-day programmes, to support group discussions. Long-term memories were often reawakened through these visual cues, unlocking cherished moments from the past.

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome both Gary and Donald to Motherwell as the tour continues to demonstrate the real impact Football Memories has across Scotland.

“The stories from their extraordinary careers were hugely enjoyed, and Specsavers’ continued support is invaluable in allowing us to deliver these sessions for people living with memory loss or isolation.’

Laura Baird, Scotland Divisional Chair for Specsavers, added: ‘Specsavers is proud to continue supporting Football Memories for a third season and to help bring these special moments to communities across Scotland.

‘We wish the national team the very best of luck Stateside this summer.’

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest partnerships in sport. The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.

NAE SUPER JOHN McGINN? JOHN GREIG? – Ed.

LifeCare Summer BBQ

FRIDAY 12th JUNE 12 – 4pm at LIFECARE

We are excited to invite you along for our annual Summer BBQ! Held at our fully accessible hub at LifeCare 2 Cheyne St in Stockbridge.

Look forward to a bouncy castle, children’s activities, games and of course a proper BBQ all completely free. Everyone welcome! We can’t wait to see you there

Donations are welcome in order to support the work we do as a charity.

Jet2 celebrates 20 years of operating from Scotland

Milestone anniversary of 20 years of Jet2 at Edinburgh Airport and 15 years from Glasgow Airport this year
UK’s favourite airline and tour operator marked the occasion with a celebration at Edinburgh Airport
91 routes now on sale from Scottish bases, representing significant growth and expansion since first flights took off

Jet2 is celebrating 20 years of operating award-winning flights and holidays from Scotland.

The UK’s favourite airline and tour operator has reached the key milestone after seeing its first flight from Edinburgh Airport take off in 2006 and from Glasgow Airport in 2011. Since the start of operations from two of Scotland’s busiest airports, over 22 million customers have travelled with Jet2 and experienced its VIP customer service the company has become known for.

To mark the occasion, during the busy morning of departures from Edinburgh Airport yesterday (22^nd April) customers and colleagues came together to celebrate the long-established partnership.

The check-in area at Edinburgh Airport was adorned in red, holidaymakers received a famously friendly welcome from Jet2’s Red Team, and one lucky customer was surprised with a free pair of return flights with Jet2.com, to mark 20 years of the airline flying from the airport base.

When Jet2’s first flight took off from Edinburgh Airport to Murcia 20 years ago and from Glasgow Airport to Alicante 15 years ago, the airline and tour operator had just two destinations on sale from Edinburgh Airport and seven from Glasgow Airport. Since its inaugural flights departed, the company has experienced continued growth and success to become the UK’s third largest airline, with Jet2holidays taking the top spot as the UK’s largest tour operator.

As a result of that growth, Jet2 now has 51 destinations on sale from Edinburgh Airport. From Glasgow Airport, the airline and tour operator operates to 40 sun, ski and city destinations, offering customers and independent travel agents in Scotland fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to reaching their favourite hotspots across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Jet2 continues to expand its offering from Edinburgh Airport, with three new routes on sale for Summer 2026. The new routes are to Girona, Kalamata and Kefalonia and means Jet2 is operating its biggest programme to date from Edinburgh Airport. Looking further ahead, the airline and tour operator will also introduce even more new destinations, including Strasbourg, Sharm El Sheikh, Chania, Skiathos and Pula from Edinburgh Airport.

As Jet2 also celebrates 15 years of operating from Glasgow Airport, its expansion further into Scotland was a strategic move and marked the opening of the airline’s eighth base, establishing it as a key leisure carrier in Scotland.

Jet2 has continued to grow its presence at Glasgow Airport and has two new routes on sale from the Scottish base for Summer 2026, including services to Dubrovnik and Kos. From February 2027, flights and holidays will also launch to Hurghada.

In Summer 2026, Jet2 has over 200 flights departing per week and more than 2.2 million seats on sale from Scotland, meaning customers and independent travel agents have plenty of choice and flexibility.

Over the past two decades, Jet2.com’sVIP customer service, friendly low fares, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great flight times have proven popular amongst customers travelling from Scotland, enabling the company to expand significantly at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports. As a result of this industry leading customer service, Jet2.com has repeatedly won renowned accolades including being named a Which? Recommended Provider for 11 consecutive years.

Now the UK’s largest tour operator, package holiday specialist Jet2holidays was launched in 2007 on the back of the airline’s success. With its ATOL protected package holidays combining a choice of 2 to 5 star accommodation, in-resort Customer Helpers, return transfers, plus flights including 22kg hold luggage, this award-winning formula has proven extremely popular amongst holidaymakers.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Celebrating 20 years of operations in Scotland is a massive milestone for us and we are proud to be marking this significant event.

“Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports remain key UK airport bases for Jet2, and just like the last 20 years, we have no doubt that our offering from Scotland will continue to grow as we remain committed to our long-established partnership with the Scottish bases.

“As well as looking back at all that we have achieved over the last 20 years, we are looking ahead to even more success at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports and look forward to many more years of operating our award-winning flights and holidays.”

Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Jet2 has been a hugely important partner for Edinburgh Airport over the last 20 years.

“Since launching its first flight from Edinburgh in 2006, Jet2 has become a key part of our connectivity, providing millions of passengers with fantastic choice.

“The continued expansion of Jet2’s routes, including new ones for summer 2026, demonstrates the strength of demand from Scotland and our shared commitment to offering passengers even more choice when they travel.

“We look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come.”

Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

Independent travel agents can visit: trade.jet2holidays.com

Granton & District Community Council meeting on Monday

MONDAY 27th APRIL 6.30pm at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Our next monthly meeting takes place on Monday 27 April, 6.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre .

Local residents are welcome to join us to find out more about the community council, or to raise an issue for discussion!

This is a hybrid meeting – if you’d like to attend online, please get in touch for the MS Teams link. Alternatively, we can raise any issues for discussion on your behalf.

Simply email engagement@grantoncc.scot

New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings

New agreement between the UK and France to step up patrols and intelligence operations in France to reduce illegal crossings

The United Kingdom and France yesterday signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated human, technological and intelligence resources.

Since the 2024 UK election, work between the UK and France has prevented more than 42,000 illegal migrants from crossing the Channel. The joint action also led to the arrest of 480 smugglers in 2025.

The new partnership will build on these encouraging results to reduce the number of illegal Channel crossings.

For the first time, UK funding will include a flexible part to support actions to strengthen the effectiveness of the scheme. These actions will be subject to a regular joint evaluation in order to analyse their impact on reducing the flow of illegal immigration.
The personnel (nearly 1,200 agents of the police force, the intelligence services and the maritime prefecture) already deployed will be renewed and reinforced in the North to prevent illegal crossings from France.
The new partnership aims to increase the number of personnel deployed by 53% – 907 personnel funded in the 2023-2026 cycle and 1,392 in the 2026-2029 cycle, as well as a CRS unit dedicated to the fight against illegal immigration, managed by France. This will be accompanied by the deployment of new technologies to reduce the number of departures of small boats, in particular water taxis.

Under the new partnership, £500 million (€580 million) will be invested to strengthen the control system in northern France and a further £161 million (€187 million) will fund new actions based on their impact on crossing prevention. If these new measures do not yield sufficient results, on the basis of a joint annual evaluation, funding will be redirected to new actions.

This new partnership includes:

Reinforcement of staff on the ground: currently, 907 people are deployed on the ground and have prevented 42,000 crossing attempts since the 2024 UK elections. This new partnership provides for a 53% increase in the workforce, including the creation of a new specialized unit (SIPAF – Interministerial Border Police) of 80 people.
The completion of major real estate projects and new investments: the administrative detention centre in Dunkirk and the future CRS cantonment in Calais, which will increase the efficiency of the police forces.
The strengthening of intelligence and judicial police units: this unit, the GAO, composed of 18 people, led to the arrest of 480 smugglers in 2025. The number of personnel in this unit will be increased to 30 in order to intensify the fight against smuggling networks in the northern zone
Strengthen surveillance capabilities and infrastructure using drones, helicopters and electronic means to better prevent crossing attempts.

These measures are complemented by the desire to combat the phenomenon of illegal immigration to the United Kingdom upstream, by strengthening joint actions in countries of origin and transit.

As the Channel is an external border of the European Union, the partnership between the United Kingdom and France is part of a broader European cooperation that both countries wish to strengthen.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Our collaboration with the French has prevented tens of thousands of illegal migrants from boarding the boats bound for Britain.

“But we need to go further. This historic agreement will prevent illegal migrants from making the perilous journey and put smugglers behind bars.”

French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, said: “This new agreement gives our security forces the means to continue their decisive commitment in the fight against dangerous Channel crossings and to strengthen the security of coastal residents.

“I also welcome Frontex’s commitment, which is intended to be amplified in the context of enhanced European involvement in the surveillance of this external border of the European Union.

“I also recognise Frontex’s commitment to be strengthened as part of a stronger European involvement in the surveillance of this external border of the European Union.

“A large part of the resources provided for in this partnership will be concentrated from the beginning of the summer and during the summer period, which is traditionally the busiest period for small craft crossings.”

This partnership complements the important reforms undertaken by the UK government to reduce the pull factors that push irregular migrants across the Channel and to intensify the expulsion of irregular foreign nationals from British territory.

Nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals have been sent back or deported since this UK government came to power, an increase of 31%.

Immigration control measures to combat illegal working have reached levels unprecedented in British history, with an 83% increase in arrests and a 77% increase in police interventions under this government.

The UK government is also closing all reception hotels for asylum seekers and transferring them to accommodation centres, especially those on former military sites.

British Council goes All In to support Commonwealth Games 2026 with new classroom resources for schools

Ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the British Council has joined forces with children’s charity Youth Sport Trust to produce a new classroom resource pack for schools.

Designed to support learning and activities for young people, the pack celebrates the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow this summer from 23 July – 2 August and the work of the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its citizens.

The resource forms part of the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme and is inspired by All In – the nationwide call to action for this year’s Games, inviting communities to celebrate the Games in their own ‘altogether brilliant’ way.

The pack was launched yesterday at St John Paul II School in Castlemilk, Glasgow, where teacher and former Glasgow 2014 ceremony cast member, Jacqueline Hart and her pupils were visited by gymnast Cameron Lynn who, following his appearance at Birmingham 2022, is aiming to represent his country again at Glasgow 2026; and Glasgow 2026’s official mascot Finnie, the sport-loving unicorn.

Featuring a series of interactive learning activities and materials, teachers can use the resource pack to raise awareness of the Commonwealth and its values and help young people feel connected to the Games, their local community, country and the wider Commonwealth.

Schools can find out more and download the pack here.

Pupils will be introduced to the Games’ values of Humanity, Destiny and Equality through sessions exploring connection, fairness and inclusion. This echoes the British Council’s work building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and English language.

Designed for pupils aged between 7 and 11, the activities in the pack are flexible and adaptable. Teachers can use them as starting points for individual lessons or to form part of a larger cross-curricular project with a partner school overseas.

The British Council is also inviting any schools wishing to participate with an overseas partner to use their PartnerFinder database free of charge, to search for like-minded schools around the world.

The classroom resource builds on the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which supports young people in the UK and around the world to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to respond to global challenges and develop international understanding.

Glasgow 2026 is set to be ‘the most inclusive, community-driven and connected Commonwealth Games yet’, with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in an 11-day programme of 10 sports and six Para sports across four iconic venues.

Beyond its credentials as a major historical sporting event, The Commonwealth Games is also a chance for people from around the world to come together, celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.

Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: ‘The Commonwealth Games 2026 is not just a sporting event, it is a chance for people from around the world to come together, celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.

“This classroom resource pack will enable children and young people to connect internationally on critical themes, such as equality and fairness, and celebrate the Game’s focus on inclusion and sustainability.

“While we proudly shine a light on Glasgow and Scotland as this year’s hosts, the pack is available for all and we hope that teachers and pupils across the whole of the UK will benefit from the resources available.’

Emily Reynolds, Director, Youth Sport Trust, added: ‘The Youth Sport Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with the British Council and Glasgow 2026 to bring this engaging resource to schools and teachers.

“The Commonwealth Games offer a powerful opportunity to connect young people to Glasgow, the values that unite the Commonwealth, and the wide range of sports that make the Games so special.

“Multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games can inspire children and young people of all backgrounds, helping them to discover new sports, develop curiosity, and build a lifelong relationship with physical activity.

“This resource is designed to support teachers to bring that inspiration into the classroom and empower young people to learn through sport.’

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive, Glasgow 2026, said: “‘The Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme is helping to bring the Games to life in classrooms across Glasgow and Scotland, ensuring that young people feel genuinely connected to what these Games represent. It’s vital that young people across the country see themselves reflected in Glasgow 2026, and this programme plays a key role in making that happen.

“Developed with the support of partners including the British Council and the Youth Sport Trust, the programme gives pupils the opportunity to explore the cultures that make up the Commonwealth, increase participation in sport and develop positive, healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

“The resources have been carefully designed to be inclusive and adaptable for all learners and educational settings, while reflecting the vision and values at the heart of these Games.

“With Glasgow 2026 set to deliver the largest-ever Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history, it’s especially powerful to see that same ambition and commitment to inclusion championed through the Schools Programme.’

PICTURES: Craig Watson

Commonwealth-Games_2026_Classroom-Resource Download

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026 Schools Programme announced

As Scotland marks the National Year of Reading, the Edinburgh International Book Festival will launch its 2026 Schools Programme (running Monday 24 – Friday 28 August 2026) with a week of author events, creative activity and classroom resources designed to support teachers, school librarians and home educators at the start of the academic year.

The timing is pointed. New research from the National Literacy Trust (published January 2026, based on a survey of 7,739 children and young people aged 8-18 across 61 Scottish schools) reports that 30.3% of children and young people in Scotland say they enjoy reading in their free time, and only 1 in six read daily – a sharp reminder of how much reading cultures need practical, confidence‑building support.

The 2026 Schools Programme offers multiple routes for participation: schools can visit in person, join selected events via livestream (with on‑demand access afterwards), and draw on a bank of Learning Resources intended for standalone lessons or to expand a Book Festival visit. Digital participation options are explicitly free.

For in‑person visits, pupils will be able to see writers and illustrators live, take part in event Q&As, and, on Wednesday 26 August and Thursday 27 August, explore the Discovery Zone(drop‑in activities 10:00–14:00, located on Level 2) delivered with partner organisations including Edinburgh Libraries, Super Power Agency, and Kids in Cyber.

Across the programme, the Book Festival’s emphasis is on access: every pupil receives a free book, thanks to the support of Claire and Mark Urquhart, and schools can apply for free tickets for pupils who might otherwise miss out, as well as support from a transport fund. Tickets are priced at £4 per pupil, with one free adult ticket per ten pupil tickets (with flexibility where higher ratios are needed for access reasons).

Author highlights (2026)

The programme features a wide range of writers and illustrators for primary and secondary years, including Jacqueline Wilson, Paterson Joseph, Patrick Ness, Katherine Rundell, Manjeet Mann, and others across the week, with themed days including a Primary School Gala Day (Wed 26 Aug) and Secondary School Teen Takeover Day (Thu 27 Aug).

HEAD ON: Tackling the mental health crisis

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

Today MHF joined 20+ mental health charities to launch the Head On campaign

Together, we can build a modern mental health system with prevention at its heart.

This starts by giving mental health the political focus it deserves.

It’s time to tackle the mental health crisis Head On.

Find out more at headoncampaign.org.

#HeadOnCampaign

Drylaw Shopping Centre improvements to begin next month

The Council is taking forward improvements to the public realm around Drylaw shopping centre on Ferry Road and Easter Drylaw Place.

The improvements would make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians.

AtkinsRéalis has prepared designs for improvements to the public realm. These include

widening pavements to create more pedestrian space
creating informal crossings for pedestrians to use
improving parking arrangements
replacement of the steps onto Ferry Road
adding new green space

The improvements are to the public realm only. They will not involve the shopping centre itself, which is not owned or maintained by the Council.

On 13 May 2025, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee agreed to allocate £168,102 towards the improvements. Detailed designs have been prepared by AtkinsRéalis and were consulted upon in September to October 2025. A stage 2 road safety audit has been prepared by AtkinsRéalis.

Drylaw_shopping_centre_public_realm___detailed_designs Download

In March 2026, the Council appointed Luddon Construction to carry out the works.

Works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and complete on Wednesday 24 June 2026 (these dates may require to change).

Download the programme

To allow the works to be carried out safely, it will be necessary to temporarily close roads and restrict parking. In summary:

during the first phase (indicatively, Tuesday 5 May 2026 to Tuesday 26 May 2026), parking in the eastern area of the space to the north of the shopping centre will be restricted. The bus stop outside the shopping centre will be closed and a new temporary bus stop created to the west, outside the police station. The westbound lane of Ferry Road will be closed outside the shopping centre. The northern entrance to the shopping centre will be closed to vehicles, so vehicles accesssing the car park will need to take a short detour down Easter Drylaw View and along Easter Drylaw Place.
during the second phase (indicatively, Thursday 28 May 2026 to Thursday 18 June 2026), parking in the western area of the space to the north of the shopping centre will be restricted. The bus stop outside the shopping centre will be closed and a new temporary bus stop created to the west, outside the police station. The westbound lane of Ferry Road will be closed for a section outside the western end of the shopping centre.
during the third and final phase (indicatively, Thursday 18 June 2026 to Wednesday 24 June 2026), parking in the bays to the southeast of the shopping centre, on Easter Drylaw Place, will be restricted.

Pedestrian access to the shops will not be obstructed. Signs will be displayed to let people know that the shopping centre is open as usual. Deliveries to the rear of the shopping centre will not be affected.

Drylaw_Shopping_Centre_public_realm_improvements___Programme Download